BattlefieldsBattle of Pilleth (Bryn Glas)
Medieval

Battle of Pilleth (Bryn Glas)

1402
Powys, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Bryn Glas 1402 · Pilleth 1402
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Powys, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English (Sir Edmund Mortimer)
Forces
English c.1,000–1,500; Mortimer's army destroyed by Welsh archers and terrain advantage.
VS
Victor
Welsh (Owain Glyndŵr)
Forces
Welsh c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Mortimer captured; English force destroyed; Welsh archers changed sides mid-battle
The Battle

History & Significance

Glyndŵr's greatest victory in the field. Mortimer's army was caught on a slope at Bryn Glas; crucially, the Welsh archers fighting for the English changed sides during the battle. Mortimer was captured — and subsequently married Glyndŵr's daughter, cementing the alliance that included the Percy family in the "Tripartite Indenture" to divide England between them. The battle gave Glyndŵr control of mid-Wales.

Casualties & Losses

c.1,000 English killed; Mortimer captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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